My darling mum is in a nursing home. She has cancer, severe dementia and has recently had surgery for a broken hip following a fall. Her dementia has taken a massive hit from the fall and surgery.
She is extremely weak, both mentally and physically and has not been on her feet since surgery 10 days ago. She is barely eating or drinking. Thinking clearly, I don't think we have her for much longer.
My worry right now is for my stepfather. He is utterly devoted to mum and keeps trying to make her eat, he says he wants her to eat to get stronger. This is distressing her and I feel that she is ready to die. It feels like eating is the only thing in her life that she can control.
My stepdad is devastated and I'm so worried about him.
How can I help him over this difficult period? I've tried to explain that she is near the end and he understands but seems to default back to talking about her getting better and stronger if he can get her to eat.
They have been the most wonderful parents and I'm at a loss to know what to do for them.
Last weekend, in Rutland, the first statue in Britain of the late Elizabeth II was unveiled.
Stabbing at a school in Wales this lunchtime.
To think that London, or anywhere else for that matter, does not belong to any one demographic